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1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * web: marysvillewa.gov Office of the Mayor News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contacts: Mike Robinson Parks Maintenance Manager, (360) 363-8406 [EMAIL REDACTED] Cmdr. Robb Lamoureux, (360) 363-8314 [EMAIL REDACTED] July 19, 2011 First-ever community Graffiti Paint Out on July 23 seeks volunteers to send ‘zero tolerance’ message aimed at graffiti and taggers MARYSVILLE – The City of Marysville is seeking volunteers to join with active duty sailors from Navy Recruiting District Seattle and other groups and individuals in a community-wide Graffiti Paint Out on Saturday, July 23. Volunteers will gather at 9 a.m. in the Cedarcrest Middle School north parking lot, 6400 88th St. NE, to receive painting materials and location assignments that will direct them to several “hot spots” around Marysville and street-side fences where homeowners have been victimized. “We want this event to send a clear message to graffiti vandals and taggers that our community has zero tolerance for graffiti,” Mayor Jon Nehring says. “We hope you will join us in eradicating the blight that it creates along streets and in our neighborhoods.” This event was originally scheduled a week earlier, but was cancelled due to rain. The City’s Graffiti Task Force and elected officials created the idea to host a one-day cleanup as a sign that graffiti will not be tolerated in the community. The City has been aggressive in education and enforcement efforts that have cracked down on graffiti and tagging, but it remains a problem, says Nehring. Key "hot spots" that volunteers will target include the Kellogg Village area on 100th Street and 108th Street NE east to 67th Avenue NE. Other areas include 136th Street, downtown, and along the railroad tracks. Navy Recruiting District – Seattle has donated $1,000 towards Paint Out day needs, in addition manning paint brushes. City officials are seeking additional contributors. Graffiti is a serious problem that negatively impacts commerce, reduces property values, creates blight and increases the propensity for gang-related activity, says Code ---PAGE BREAK--- 1049 State Ave. * Marysville, Washington 98270 * (360) 363-8000 * web: marysvillewa.gov Enforcement Officer Paul Rochon, who is one City employee who has spent countless hours removing graffiti. Graffiti and the blight it creates is self-perpetuating - if it isn’t removed (within 24-48 hours), studies show that the frequency and amount will increase. Volunteers interested in turning out for the Graffiti Paint Out are advised to wear old, appropriate clothing that you won’t mind getting messy in. Register to volunteer or ask for more information by contacting Parks Maintenance Manager Mike Robinson at (360) 363-8406, or email [EMAIL REDACTED]. To report graffiti anytime, use the Citizen Request Tracker Graffiti Online Reporting Form at http://marysvillewa.gov. It is located under the “I Want to” menu. Additional Contacts: Doug Buell, Community Information Officer, (360) 363-8086 Cell (425) 754-3641 [EMAIL REDACTED] Paul Rochon, Code Enforcement Officer, (360) 363-8208 [EMAIL REDACTED]